Mazzarri plays down going level on points with Juventus

By SW Lim

The Italian opted instead to criticise his men for turning in a lacklustre second half, which almost allowing Catania a passage back into game

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri rallied his men to keep their feet on the ground and not take anything for granted, despite going level on points with Juventus at the top of Serie A following their 2-0 win against Catania on Saturday.

Marek Hamsik stole the show at the San Paolo, opening the scoring in the 31st minute before providing the cross for Paolo Cannavaro's goal on the stroke of half time.

However, the Partenopei opted to sit back and protect their lead in the second half, unwittingly ensuring a nervous finale to the game as Catania had a goal disallowed for a supposed foul on a Napoli player.

"We should have killed proceedings off with another goal," Mazzarri declared to reporters after the match. "We did well not to panic under pressure, but still need to mature in such aspects.

"Nowadays, strikers have to help out by winning the ball back at the front for a team to win. I cannot simply change our philosophy by merely looking at the table.

"We need to remember every game is a battle. Our results are derived from them, and we cannot afford to become distracted."

Nevertheless, the southern outfit have upped the ante for the Scudetto with their latest victory. Antonio Conte's Juventus travel to Chievo on Sunday in the hope of pulling away from Napoli, who remain below them in the table on goal difference.